Kendal Midday Concert Club, Kendal Town Hall, October 15

The programme presented by the Pomegranate Trio, recent guests of the Kendal Midday Concert Club, was both interesting and unusual: a pairing of very early Rachmaninov (Trio Élégiaque) and very late Schubert (Piano Trio No.2).

Both works present a variety of artistic challenges and, in general terms, these were met with a polished proficiency.

Each player pursues a successful solo career, has toured extensively, is passionate about chamber music and, clearly, is highly gifted.

But as an ensemble they have yet to thoroughly understand the huge importance of the roles played by accompanying parts.

These are not subservient to the main melodic lines - they should not be played with a fragility, often bordering on the inaudible, but ought, in fact, to be integral and projected as such. Projection, then, was the key element missing from this recital.

The pianist must be excluded from this observation. He played his part to perfection – supporting and leading with great sensitivity and authority.

On this occasion, however, the string players, whilst shaping their lines perceptively and always searching for beauty of tone, did not follow his example.

By Brian Paynes.